Experimental in-flight evaluations have demonstrated that the concept of formation flight can reduce fuel consumption of trailing aircraft by 10 percent. Armstrong researchers have developed a peak-seeking control algorithm that can increase this efficiency by another 2 percent. The innovation works by optimizing, in real time, the lift distribution across the wing of an airplane flying within the wingtip vortex of another airplane. Conventional trim schedules use anti-symmetric (equal but opposite between the left and right wings) aileron deflections to counter roll asymmetries and keep the wings level. In formation flight, however, this approach can “dump” lift near the wingtip where the vortex effects are greatest, reducing the amount of benefit gained. The peak-seeking solution instead uses all available control surfaces across the span of the wing (including wing flaps used for landing) as required to find the best solution to maintain trimmed flight within the vortex.

Work to date: The research team has developed a multi-vehicle transport-class aircraft simulation that includes probabilistic models of the wind-drift and descent of aircraft wakes, the aerodynamic interference effects of wingtip vortices on other aircraft, and formation guidance and control laws. The team has also developed a roadmap for the maturation of formation flight technology to Cooperative Trajectory operations; that is, commercial transport aircraft operations at extended distances of 1-2 nautical miles.

Looking ahead: The group is developing a flight experiment to demonstrate drag reduction through cooperative trajectories using commercial, off-the-shelf avionics systems, including ADS-B data link technology. The experiment is expected to fly in 2015.